Showing posts with label In the news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label In the news. Show all posts

Friday, June 21, 2013

Supportive Spouses & Case Success!

Sitting at the front desk in our office, our Office Coordinator heard him say it loud and clear, "that thing is going to make you look so silly. Really? I mean it's just so sexy." The husband of a long time patient was speaking to his wife about her new night guard. It was just a common ribbing from one spouse to the other, simple teasing, joking really; no harm, no foul, right?

A major reason people treated by dentists are not successful with night guards and occlusal guard care is because they don't wear them, either enough or at all in some cases. Your guard may need checked and adjusted, bring it in! Many men and women we've spoken to admit they don't wear them because of their spouse.

An occlusal guard can help patients with a variety of dental
concerns including TMJ, bruxism, mobility and more. (Photo
from Total Care Dentistry)
Our immediate reaction might be considered rather harsh. We wonder if the unsupportive spouse would prefer to have a mate without natural teeth. In some cases, that could be the end result of untreated grinding (bruxism), TMJ, and other serious dental conditions.

According to Dr. Mary Dooley, there are different kinds of guards made for specific reasons individual to each patient. Custom made occlusal orthotics are very hard guards that help with the treatment of TMJ. Night guards help with patients who grind their teeth causing wear beyond what is typical, cracks in the teeth in some cases. Guards are also made for many patients to protect smile reconstruction. Guards are not only an investment in the restored comfort of patients, but also an insurance policy for the investment made in valuable treatment already performed.

We know the husband in our example wasn't trying to do permanent damage to his wife's psyche or teeth. Still, take a moment to consider your spouse. It's the smile that stares at you that you'll be enjoying (or not) later.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Sterilization practices key to patient safety



            The case of an Oklahoma Oral Surgeon in trouble  because of allegations of wrong-doing are unsettling to many dental patients. The Tulsa area doctor is accused of using unsanitary and unsterilized surgical tools and equipment on patients in an office he admits has a “higher than normal proportion” of patients of HIV and hepatitis. The surgeon has surrendered his license, still nearly 500 patients have had to be tested for the diseases at the local health department.
            The news is scary, and sad because it is preventable.  Federal and state guidelines are in place to protect against the spread of blood-borne pathogens. We want to assure patients of Total Care Dentistry that we us the most up-to-date methods of sterilization to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff.  Our staff undergoes routine training at regular intervals to make sure all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations and continuing education in the area are completed.  We were excited to welcome an infection control expert into our suite for an extensive review earlier this spring!    
       According to the National Institutes of health Hepatitis is more common than most people think. About 4.4 million Americans have the recurring liver infection and most of them don’t even know it.
     This article was republished from the April edition of the Patient Connection, a monthly newsletter produced by Total Care Dentistry, and Dr. Mary T. Dooley, DDS.

 

 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Beach Dentist Shares Clean Dentistry Record



Press Release
February 18, 2013


Beach Dentist Shares Clean Dentistry Record
Every patient has the right to know their healthcare provider is the upstanding, quality individual they purport themselves to be. We understand the unfortunate news of one local practice may have you feeling nervous about the qualifications of the dental health professionals that care for your family. That’s why we at Total Care Dentistry are willing to publicly release a current copy of Dr. Mary T. Dooley’s Department of Health Professions Board of Dentistry license.

With zero complaints or other filings, Dr. Dooley says she is proud of her outstanding record as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Dental Corps and exemplary record in private practice since opening her doors in 2002. Dr. Dooley has held a Virginia Dentistry license for nearly 30 years.

Dr. Pat Baker, President of the Tidewater Dental Association, spoke with Total Care Dentistry today. He says measures to maintain accessibility to information are in place. "Although we are not a policing agency, we do have a patient relations committee for members of the Tidewater Dental Association." Dr. Baker explained the committee facilitates communications between doctors and concerned patients. We want to help alleviate your concerns and answer any questions about your case and our history you may have.

The Total Care Dentistry office is located at 114 S. Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach. Feel free to call us at 757-486-4880 or schedule a time to speak one on one with our knowledgeable staff about how we can help you.

For questions about Total Care Dentistry or Dr. Mary T. Dooley and her Virginia Beach dental services, please contact office coordinator Stephanie Beeler at 757-486-4880.




 


Public Information System
(
Download licensee information | DHP Home Page)
Last updated on 02/18/2013

 

License Information

 


License Number
0401006598
Occupation
Dentist
Name
MARY T DOOLEY
Address of Record
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23454
Initial License
07/09/1985
Expire Date
03/31/2013
License Status
Current Active
Additional Public Information*
No

This serves as primary source verification of the credential issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

*"Yes" means that there is information the Department must make available to the public pursuant to §54.1-2400.2.G of the Code of Virginia. For additional information click on the "Yes" link above. "No" means no documents are available.

 

 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

First Impressions Are Everything!

Cupid's arrow could be deflected by a crooked tooth! It  may seem shocking, but a recent study by Kelton Reseach says we're all being judged at love, in life, and at work, by our teeth! There appears to be a perception that the nicer looking a person's teeth are, the better off the individual in many categories. People are perceived as being nicer, happier, wealthier and more successful.


A more beautiful smile can be achieved in a variety of ways. Here at Total Care Dentistry, we provide smile makeovers with complete restorative services including crowns, dentures and implants.

  • Making a Lasting impression: It's important to have attractive teeth as part of a smile because pearly whites make a lasting first impression. Nearly one-third (29%) of Americans say the first aspect of someone's face they typically notice is his or her teeth, and 24% say this is also the facial aspect that they remember the most after meeting someone.
  • Straight Teeth = Success: These thoughts also extend to perceptions regarding an individual's potential for professional and financial success. When looking at images, Americans perceive those with straight teeth to be 45% more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a job when competing with someone who has a similar skill set and experience. They are also seen as 58% more likely to be successful, as well as 58% more likely to be wealthy.
  • Love at First Sight: Not if you have crooked teeth. When it comes to attracting a possible mate on a dating site, those with straight teeth are seen as 57% more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a date based on their picture alone.
  • Crooked Teeth = Dull Social Life: Nearly two in five (38%) Americans would consider not going on a second date with someone who has misaligned teeth. Far fewer would ditch someone who lives with his or her parents (23%).
  • Straight Teeth = Good Personality: People connect more positive descriptions with men and women who have straight teeth than those who have crooked teeth. Those with straight teeth are 21% more likely to be seen as happy, 47% more likely to be viewed as being healthy and 38% more likely to be perceived as smart.
  • A Nice Smile Goes a Long Way : Nearly three in four (73%) Americans would be more likely to trust someone with a nice smile than someone with a good job, outfit, or car.
  • The Want List: Having an attractive smile is something important to many Americans. Close to three in five (57%) Americans would rather have a nice smile than clear skin. What's more, 87% would forego something for a year in order to have a nice smile for the rest of their life; more than one-third of these folks would give up dessert (39%) or vacations (37%).

Monday, November 12, 2012

Practice Points

Happy Monday!
Here are a few special notes for our patients this week:


We hope you made it through Hurricane Sandy safe and sound. In her wake, our offices closed Monday, October 29th. We want to say thank you to our patients who have been understanding and willing to reschedule. We know the storm caused many inconveniences and appreciate your patience!

Are you needing to schedule your next dental appointment? Call now! Keep in mind our office is closed every other Tuesday and Thursday so that we may share the space with Scott Orthodontics.

Closed: November 6,8,9,22,23

December 4,6,18,20

Closing early at 1pm Dec. 24-January 2

 
Give the gift of oral health! We’re proud to announce Total Care Dentistry is offering gift certificates for the holidays! Gift certificates are available for exam/cleaning/xray packages, in office and take home whitening packages, and “account dollars” that allow the recipient to choose how to use your gift. Call 757-486-4880 today  and ask for details!
 

 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

6 Tips for a Photogenic Smile

This post is reprinted from Webmd.com. Click here for the original post. You can check out our website for more tips and a list of services including whitening, crowns, veneers, dentures and implants that can help you show off your best grin!


WebMD Feature

With cameras in cell phones, email profile pictures, and online photo sharing, a camera-ready smile is almost a necessity. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a celebrity or genetically blessed to create a crowd-pleasing smile.
taking photo with cellphone
Smile Tip #1: Wear a "Parade" Smile
Photogenic smiles are gentle and natural. Lily T. Garcia, DDS, MS, FACP tells her patients to smile as if they are in a parade. In other words, strike a smile you can hold for a long time. When you smile gently, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.
"You’ll feel the edges of your upper front teeth gently touching your lower lip," says Garcia, president of the American College of Prosthodontists. Your cheeks may rise a bit, but not too much. It’s the opposite of the quick smile that flashes across your face when you see an old friend. That kind of jumping-for-joy smile makes your eyes squint and your neck muscles tense -- which can make for an awkward-looking photo.
Smile Tip #2: Nix the Double Chin
More worried about your chin than your smile? It’s all about posture. "If you slouch or your head is too bent forward, you won’t like how your smile looks," says Pamela McClain, DDS. She recommends turning your head slightly and dropping your chin so your face is not completely square with the camera.
Smile Tip #3: Make Lipstick Your Friend
If you are a woman, select a lipstick that works with your skin tone. "The right shade of lipstick can make teeth look whiter," Garcia says. Shades like cherry red, wine, berry, plum, or rosy pink are your best bet. The blue-based or pink-based undertones will minimize any yellowish tones in your teeth.
On the other hand, Garcia says that the wrong color, especially one that’s too dark or too red, can detract from your smile. (Psst. Lipstick sticking to your teeth? Might be a sign of dry mouth or excess plaque.)
Smile Tip #4: Work With What You Have
You don’t need perfect teeth to have a camera-worthy smile. Just look at Tom Cruise and his off-center ivories. Garcia points out that the line between his two front teeth, which should line up with the center of his nose, is off to one side. It’s a rather obvious fluke but when Cruise smiles, few people notice it.
Smile Tip #5: Prime Your Teeth and Gums
Getting your teeth and gums camera-ready requires a bit of behind-the-scenes preparation.
If your teeth have yellowed with age, you might take time to try a whitening product from the pharmacy or visit your dentist. Correcting cracked, broken, or missing teeth will likely mean some time with a dental professional.Though you may think of them as supporting actors, healthy gums play a crucial role in a photogenic smile. "You can have beautiful teeth but if your gums aren’t healthy, that detracts from your smile," says McClain, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. Take Julia Roberts, McClain says: "She’s got a big smile, and she has a really nice blend of gum tissue and tooth."
Smile Tip #6: Practice
Your perfect smile might not happen overnight. If you have a big photo event like a wedding or graduation coming up, take time to practice smiling in front of a mirror. You can see how it looks and feels when you hold your shoulders back proudly and strike a natural, unforced smile. You can also play around with turning your head and finding your best angle.
 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

National Dental Hygiene Month


“Keep them healthy. Keep them clean.” That’s this year’s National Dental Hygiene Month slogan. Hygienists across America want you to know that brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day will help you maintain a healthy smile.


     Studies have shown that brushing for two minutes is perhaps the single most important step an individual can take to reduce plaque build-up and the risk of plaque-associated diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis. The hectic pace of today's adult lifestyle often leaves little time for the daily oral health care routine needed to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. An estimated 75% of Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal disease. Ask Dr. Dooley if you have signs of periodontal disease at your next appointment.
     To help our patients manage their oral health 27/7, we've created a series of pages on our website to guide you and your children through proper brushing and flossing techniques. You can even check out our dental videos to see proper techniques in action. Brushing isn't just brushing, accuracy matters and these tweaks to your routine could make all the difference!

 

Friday, September 14, 2012

Dentistry Sign Reappears!


We said the sign would return and here it is!!! Keep your eyes out!



The new sign was hoisted into place!
Crews showed up bright and early to get the job done!


The new "old" sign is visible from Virginia Beach Boulevard and
Witchduck Road intersection, several blocks away!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

You've probably noticed some of the many changes that have been taking place here in our office.  Today's blog post aims at getting everyone caught up on what we've been doing!

Our office is now located at 114 S. Witchduck Road,
Virginia Beach. The building is also home to
Scott Orthodontics and Shall We Dance Studios.
The biggest change this summer, our office moved. June 1st we moved from Great Neck Road, to Witchduck Road. The office is right next to the 264WB ramp to Witchduck Road, near the Sears Home Central building.

A new white sign with a toothbrush can be found at the building marquee, and that's where you'll see our new name! Because Dr. Dooley is like one-stop-shopping for all of your dental needs, we have updated the practice name to now be Total Care Dentistry, Mary T. Dooley, DDS. We think the name sounds pretty nifty! You will also notice the reappearance of Dr. Dooley's green sign from our previous location soon facing Witchduck Road.


We are also happy to display a new logo featuring the new practice name. Thank to all of our patients who took part in either in-office or Facebook voting for the design! Your input is greatly appreciated!

We are very excited to present a new name and
logo! The design speaks to our strong ties to our
area's military families!
We are in the process of redesigning our website to feature services growing in popularity, such as dentures, implants and cosmetic procedures. Never fear, we are always happy to take care of your basic oral hygiene needs to keep you smiling! The site includes videos and testimonials from real patients. You'll also find links to news releases we think you'll want to read, and publish our monthly newsletters!

Don't forget to take advantage of our appointment scheduler, you can send us requests 24/7. The new look will appear at the URL http://www.dooleytotalcaredentistry.com in the coming weeks!


Use your smart phone app to scan this QR code for
instant access to our site at any time. Forms, scheduling
information, and more are at your fingertips!
As you know Dr. Dooley is always on the cutting edge of digital dentistry, and we've added another advancement to the list of offerings. You can now use your smart phone to connect to our website anytime with our new QR code. You'll find it on our Facebook page, on our new business cards and on our google places page. Use it at will! You never know when you might find a special offer along the way!

As we've mentioned in the past, we are still looking for our permanent new home, we will make an announcement when we have this information. Meanwhile, thank you for your patience and understanding!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Your best bat

Prince Fielder made a splash at the All-Star Home Run Derby in Kansas City last night. Eight splashes to be exact, as he lofted balls straight into the right field fountains. The Detroit slugger is now in the history books along side Ken Griffey Jr. as the only players to win multiple derby titles.

The pro-baller will tell you practice is key in his successes. That and a little video game action as a child with Griffey Jr. and his father. Baseball at its simplest is repetitive motion: load, step, swing. As long as you can see and predict exactly where that speeding bullet of a ball will be... when it will be at the optimal position, you're good to go.
Detroit Tigers' Prince Fielder beat Toronto's Jose Bautista 12-7
in the MLB MVP Home run Derby July 9th.

The breakdown of the sport got us thinking about the surprising similarities between baseball and prosthodontics.

As a prosthodontist, a specialist in the replacement of missing teeth, Dr. Mary Dooley is familiar with repetitive motion, but that isn't what makes her so precise. It is her ability to "see that ball" and predict where it will be that gives her an edge.


Computer guided implant dentistry allows
virtual placement of implants to ensure success!

In the field of modern-day tooth replacement, patients of Dr. Mary Dooley are asked to have a CT scan performed. Consider this the "load" element in our baseball analogy. With a CT scan, prosthodontists are able to prepare for your dental implant surgery in its early stages. The next step in the process is unique. Our office utilizes advanced computer guides that allow the viritual placement of every implant. It is this stage that we'll label the "step." In reality, this is what allows Dr. Dooley to see and predict exactly where the real-life implants will go in a live patient. The virtual imagery gives her the precision she needs to make your case a home run. She can see where to place the implant, how deep to insert the implant and what size implant you'll need for optimal positioning. Finally, surgery day, and she "swings," and gets that hit of a lifetime with the successful placement and healing of new dental implants! The winner in this case, is the patient, but we're happy to accept the applause!   

The advancement is so important it puts the use of digital x-rays back in the shadows. No longer will prosthodontists have to extrapolate information from xrays. The ability to see a patient's implants before placement is amazing!

If you are considering having full size or mini dental implants, ask your doctor if they will be using a computerized surgical guide. Your chances of success will be dramatically increased, and your smile, that much brighter! Total Care Dentistry and Dr. Mary Dooley are excited to offer specials on implant placement this summer. Call 757-486-4880 or click here to schedule online and ask for more information.



Tuesday, May 29, 2012

We're Moving!

Last week we announced the office of Dr. Mary T. Dooley will soon be moving. To help communicate with you, our valued patients we have put together these FAQ's. Please don't hesitate to call us at 757-486-4880 with any questions!


Q. What is the address? Where is it?
A. Our new location is very centrally location in Virginia Beach. It is 1 block south of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Witchduck Road intersection, right at the 264 & Witchduck Road interchange. Next to the Sears building.

114 S. Witchduck Road, Suite 201
Virginia Beach, VA, 23454

  

Q. Will the phone number change?
A. No, our phone number will not change. You will be able to contact us as you always have, with zero to no interruption! Our phone number is 757-486-4880 or, reach us online at office@drdooleydental.com. Our website is www.drdooleydental.com.



Q. Will my existing appointment change?
A. It is our goal to keep all appointments as scheduled. Unless you have been contacted with a change, your appointment is already scheduled for you at the new temporary office location.


Q. You say “temporary” what does that mean? How long will you be there?
A. Plans are in the works for a new permanent home for Mary T. Dooley, DDS and staff. We cannot announce those changes as of yet and no timeline is available. However, it is our goal to stay in our temporary home as long as we need to maintain quality care. It is our goal to make sure you will always be able to see Dr. Dooley!


Q. What other changes are in store?
A. We like to think big! You may have noticed improvements to our website and social media in the past few months. We plan on expanding digitally, and more!  Look for more information about this over the next year.


Monday, April 30, 2012

Papoose boards not used at Mary T. Dooley, DDS



Virginia Beach, VA,  April 30, 2012 – The April 26 episode of “Inside Edition,” the television news magazine    program, is causing an uproar in the dental community. The show aired a segment about a California doctor’s use of a “papoose board” during the treatment of children.  Parents of child patients allege papoose boards, which act as restraints, have caused emotional and physical harm. While the doctor has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and the use of papoose style restraints is allowed by the dental boards, the practice is not common.

  The American Dental Association released a statement about the case Friday, saying in part, “The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines state when stabilization is used, it should always be the least restrictive, but safe and effective. “  The entire ADA statement can be found on their website. 

              Virginia Beach dentist Mary T. Dooley says she’s never used a papoose style restraint on a child patient. “If a child needs special behavioral management for care we refer them to pediatric specialists. Those specialists adhere to AAPD guidelines.” Children are a welcome part of Dr. Dooley’s Virginia Beach practice. “Our goal for care is the same as any parent, a happy child with a healthy mouth,” Dr. Dooley adds.

                If you have questions about pediatric dentistry, do not hesitate to ask your dentist.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Mayor declares Prosthodontics Awareness Week in Virginia Beach

We are excited to announce a partnership between Virginia Beach City Mayor William Sessoms and our office! Below you'll find our official press release.



Mayor declares Prosthodontics Awareness Week in Virginia Beach

National Prosthodontics Awareness Week 2012 will be April 22-28. It focuses on raising public awareness about the critical importance of a healthy mouth. This is especially important now as the link between oral health and overall health is being increasingly documented.

Seeing the need for immediate treatment in many people in Virginia Beach, area dentist Mary T. Dooley decided to reach out to Mayor William Sessoms to bring attention to the cause. “Oral hygiene and restorations improve an individual’s self-esteem, Many adults who do not replace their missing teeth suffer premature aging, poor diet, loss of function and social embarrassment,” says Dr. Dooley.

Understanding the cause, Mayor William Sessoms issued a mayoral proclamation declaring Prosthodontics Awareness Week in Virginia Beach. It is our hope that his support will give weight to to the matter in the minds of patients desperately in need, and yet unconvinced of necessity.

“By utilizing dental implants, fixed bridgework, removable partial dentures and complete dentures a prosthodontists’ expertise can change a smile and a life.” Dr. Dooley explains. This initiative focuses on the important role prosthodontists have in treating patients with missing, broken and worn teeth. The American Dental Association recognizes prosthodontists as dental specialists with two to three years of additional training after dental school in the prevention and treatment of tooth loss and advanced expertise in comfortably treating even the most complex dental needs of patients. The American College of Prosthodontists is urging all patients to talk with their dentists about how to care for their damaged or missing teeth during this National Prosthodontics Awareness Week campaign and the appropriate time to seek the care of a prosthodontist.
 

Virginia Beach dentist Mary T. Dooley is proud to have served in the US Navy Dental Corps before having opened her doors to patients in private practice a decade ago. As a specialist in prosthodontics she is able to see patients through all aspects of care, from general cleanings and examinations, through major restorative care and implant dentistry.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

X-rays and Brain Tumors Headline Misleading

Patients should consider factors in wake of new research. Study suggests people who had certain kinds of dental X-rays in the past may be at an increased risk for the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor in the U.S.

The latest dental related headline may be jarring to patients. The results of a new study suggest x-rays could be more harmful than once thought. The findings cannot prove that radiation from the imaging caused the tumors, and the results are based on people who were likely exposed to higher levels of radiation during dental x-rays than most are today."It's likely that the exposure association we're seeing here is past exposure, and past exposure levels were much higher," said Dr. Elizabeth Claus, the study's lead author and a professor at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut.
A typical bitewing x-ray. Bitewings are necessary x-rays
to make sure your dentist can make
informed diagnoses.
A panographic x-ray is most often taken while standing.These are helpful for intensive cases and determiningthe development of wisdom teeth.









Here at Mary T. Dooley, DDS, we use digital x-rays, which require less exposure. With panoramic x-rays, we can treat wisdom teeth proactively, to prevent possible life-threatening infections. Every person is evaluated individually as to the frequency and type of x-rays they need to prevent infection and tooth loss. We follow the guidelines accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA), including the use of blankets to reduce exposure to other parts of the body. 
The American Dental Association put out a statement noting that the interviews relied on participants' memories of how often they had different types of X-rays years earlier. The statement added, "The ADA's long-standing position is that dentists should order dental X-rays for patients only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Since 1989, the ADA has published recommendations to help dentists ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable."
Portions of this article were taken from Reuters news service. Click here to read the full article.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

An Important Notice To United Concordia Tricare Patients

As of May 1, 2012, United Concordia will no longer be your insurance carrier for dental coverage. Metlife has been awarded the new Tricare contract. Rest assured, Dr. Dooley and our staff members are aware of the upcoming change and have been making preparations for the event for quite some time! Dr. Dooley WILL be a provider for Metlife. The Metlife website has NOT been updated at this time to reflect her participation.

To maximize your benefits with United Concordia before the switch, we recommend you make sure you've had your regular visits and any fillings, crowns, or other work recommended performed BEFORE APRIL 30, 2012. This will minimize the likelihood of confusion between insurance companies and lessen the chance you will be responsible for what insurance should pay.



We know you may have questions. Below we've answered a few we've been hearing. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE to call us if you have any other concerns.

Q. Will Dr. Dooley be part of the new plan?
A. Yes, Dr. Dooley will be a provider on the new Metlife TRDP list.

Q. Will my out of pocket costs go up?
A. We have not been given a copy of the patient plan with Metlife. Ask your superior or the representative handling benefits before you sign up to make an informed decision. As always our office will check your benefits and provide the most accurate co-pay information possible.

Q. What do I, the patient, need to do?
A. Very little. Make sure you've chosen the best plan offered for your family's needs. Coverage should be seamless during the transition. Bring any new insurance cards with you to your next appointment.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Trip to Richmond

     On January 20th, 2012, members of  the Virginia Dental Association visited state legislators at the general assembly, to discuss current issues pertaining to dentistry, and our own Dr. Mary Dooley was there.
Dr. Dooley (seated) visited the state capital with fellow
VB area dental professionals Dr. Rod Rogge,
Dr. Mike Fernandez and others.
       VDA members visited with their respective representatives of the House and Senate. Many dentists spoke to their concerns potential budget cuts  would eliminate almost all of the 25 public health dentist positions in the state. Most legislators were not aware how this would impact emergency rooms and patient morbidity in Virginia.
     In related news, we are proud to announce that Dr. Dooley is now the Chairperson of the Dental Benefits Committee for the Virginia Dental Association. Dr. Dooley's goal is to help make insurance companies more accountable to patients and better disclose information before signing patient contracts for benefits. The new title is the latest in a line of elected positions she has held. Dr. Dooley is also the current Treasurer for the Tidewater Dental Association. For more than 100 years, the TDA has promoted the highest levels of oral health for the community of Tidewater by providing support and educational opportunities for dental professionals in our area.